2017 Week 24: (June 11-17)

We are approaching the summer solstice making evening observations difficult.  There are a few interesting events happening in the upcoming week.  Saturn will reach opposition at 4am on Thursday June 15.  A planet reaches opposition when it is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun.  The planet will be at its largest and brightest as observed from Earth.  The list of astronomical sights for the week is shown below.

Date	Event
June 15	Saturn at Opposition
June 16	Neptune 0.7°N of Moon
June 17	Last Quarter

Unfortunately, Saturn is low on the ecliptic for the next several years and more difficult to see in telescopes from our latitude.  However, Saturn's northern ring plane will be tilted to its maximum extent (26.7°).  This will allow for a great show of the ring divisions through a telescope if the seeing permits.  To see the great ringed gas giant look toward the southeast sky after the Sun has set.  You should see two bright objects, a twinkling red star and, further to the East, Saturn.  If you look at Saturn through household binoculars you may see that it is oblong in shape due to its rings.  The image below is my first try at capturing Saturn.  The seeing was quite poor due to its -22° declination.

Saturn

Neptune will be within the same telescopic field as the Moon on June 16.  It may be difficult to see over the brightness of the Moon and having to observe it very early in the morning.

The Moon will reach its Last Quarter phase this upcoming Saturday.  I always find the Last Quarter fascinating since I do not see it often in dark skies.  It will rise at 2am and be visible in dark skies until the Summer solstice Sun destroys it a few hours later.

Late in the evening look directly above and see the Summer Triangle formed by the bright stars Vega, Altair and Deneb.  Expect warm weather when these are sitting directly above your head!